IN THE MOOD FOR MOOR LOVE

Thedoctoroflove gives former Kranji jockey live shot at fifth Group 1 at only 3rd NZ visit

- Michael Lee

From only a handful of rides that were as eventless as the three-hour flight across the Tasman Sea a few years ago, Daniel Moor is on the cusp of a second Group 1 win in the space of one month in New Zealand.

The Melbourne-based jockey has travelled the world, including regular stints in Singapore since 2017 until its last day on Oct 5, 2024, far and wide, but New Zealand had beckoned only once before, until he hit the big time at his second visit on Feb 8.

Moor steered home Thedoctoroflove for good mates Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2,100m) at Ellerslie.

Unsurprisingly, the 40-year-old was booked for the So You Think three-year-old's next assignment in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2,400m) at the same Auckland track on March 8.

"The Avondale Guineas was my first win in New Zealand. It was my second visit as I rode there in a 2YO race many years ago, and didn't win," said Moor.

"It'd be nice if I can win the New Zealand Derby this Saturday, it would be my fifth Group 1 win."